By Tony Fairbairn
- Cameron Norrie [2] def Juan Manuel Cerundolo [LL] 7-5 6-1
- Norrie v Thiago Monteiro | H2H: Monteiro leads 1-0
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Cameron Norrie defeat Juan Manuel Cerundolo in straight sets to set up a second round clash with home favourite Thiago Monteiro in Rio De Janeiro.
 |
|---|
Cameron Norrie [2] def Juan Manuel Cerundolo [LL] 7-5 6-1
Cameron Norrie is into the second round in Rio De Janeiro after a straight sets win over Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Despite the victory, Norrie had to work hard in the opening set as he struggled to adapt to conditions in Brazil. The Argentinian maintained an aggressive base level to start the match and that paid off as some Norrie errors handed Manuel Cerundolo the break for a 2-1 lead.
The Brit tried everything to disrupt the rhythm of Manuel Cerundolo including a rare underarm serve as he looked to expose weaknesses in the Argentinian’s game. Manuel Cerundolo remained resilient on serve as he constructed clever angles to find space in the court. The world number 107 used great variety to save two break points as he held for a 5-3 lead.
However Norrie provided a strong response as he improved his game when he needed to and turned into the more aggressive player. The second seed produced powerful shot-making on the backhand side as he won four games in a row, sealing the set with a break to love as he weathered the early storm from Manuel Cerundolo.
Manuel Cerundolo pushed for a break of serve at the start of the second set as he sensed this would be his last opportunity to catch Norrie off guard. Despite creating three break points, the Argentinian couldn’t convert and therefore a golden opportunity had disappeared.
This allowed Norrie to become more aggressive and finish off the points quickly as he aimed to punish the lucky loser. The world number 13 increased the intensity as he broke on two consecutive occasions including a long sixth game as he took a 5-1 lead. On his first match point, Norrie sealed victory and a place in the second round despite a gritty performance from Manuel Cerundolo.
Cameron Norrie [2] v Thiago Monteiro | H2H & Match Fundamentals
| Cameron Norrie [2] v Thiago Monteiro | H2H: Monteiro leads 1-0 |
| ATP Rio De Janeiro | Rio De Janeiro, Brazil |
| Clay (O) | Prize Money: $29,455 |
| Fourth on Quadra Guga Kuerten (23:30 GMT) | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial |
Norrie will now take on home favourite Thiago Monteiro in the next round after the Brazilian defeated Dominic Thiem in his opening round.
Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2023)
| H2H: | Cameron Norrie (WR 13) | Thiago Monteiro (WR 83) |
| Tournament Previous Best | R2 (2019) | R2 (2020) |
| 1st Serve % | 66 | 63.5 |
| Service Games Won % | 81 | 85.1 |
| Break Points Saved % | 63.3 | 68.9 |
| 2nd Serve Return Points Won % | 54.3 | 46 |
| Break Points Converted % | 40.2 | 21.6 |
Norrie will look to take advantage of Monteiro’s poor returning quality as a high first serve percentage will be the key to the match.
 |
|---|
Playing Styles and Prediction
Monteiro has had a poor start to the season with his victory over Thiem being his first main draw win of the season so far. The Brazilian will be hoping a return to home territory will inspire him to new heights as he aims to get his ranking back up near the world’s top 50.
Norrie has been starting matches slowly lately and will look to improve that in this match against an opponent who has been highly effective on serve this season. The Brit dominates the return statistics and Norrie will be hoping to be just as efficient in this match against an opponent that is lacking in confidence at the moment.
The only question for Norrie will be fatigue which was evident in his opening match but if the Brit can sustain a consistent level and bring good energy to the court then he should make the last eight.
Prediction: Norrie in three sets.
How to Watch/Follow ATP Rio De Janeiro
| Live Stream | Amazon Prime Video <– Sign up for trial
TennisTV <- Subscription Required |
| Follow Britwatch - Sport in General, Brits in Particular! | |
|---|---|
| Soundcloud | |
| YouTube | |
| We may receive compensation for products purchased via affiliate links on this website | |